Ben Mayes Smashes 191 Off 117 Balls: England's Highest-Ever U19 World Cup Score

In a breathtaking display of aggressive batting, 18-year-old Ben Mayes has etched his name into cricketing history by recording the highest-ever individual score by an English batter at the ICC Under-19 Men's Cricket World Cup. His sensational knock of 191 off just 117 balls against Scotland on Wednesday will be remembered as one of the most dominant performances in youth cricket history.

A Record-Breaking Innings Against Scotland

Mayes' extraordinary innings wasn't just a personal milestone—it placed him among the elite in U19 World Cup history. His score of 191 is now the joint second-highest individual score in the tournament's history, equalling Sri Lanka's Hasitha Boyagoda and falling just one run short of Viran Chamuditha's world record of 192, which was set earlier in this very tournament against Japan.

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Dominating From the Start

England's innings got off to a shaky start when Ben Dawkins fell early, but Mayes walked in with intent and immediately took the attack to the Scottish bowlers. Partnering with Joe Moores, the duo constructed a devastating 188-run stand in approximately 22 overs that completely shifted the momentum in England's favour.

Mayes' Explosive Batting Display

The young batter's innings was a masterclass in aggressive yet calculated batting:

• 18 boundaries found the rope with clinical precision
• 8 towering sixes cleared the boundary with ease
• A strike rate of over 163 kept the scoreboard racing
• Reached his century off just 65 balls

Mayes took the lion's share of runs in the partnership, completely dominating the Scottish bowling attack and leaving them with no answers to his onslaught.

England's Massive Total Sets Tournament Benchmark

Thanks to Mayes' heroics, England posted an imposing total of 404/6 against Scotland. This mammoth score holds significant historical importance:

• Sixth highest score in ICC Under-19 Men's Cricket World Cup history
• Highest team total in the 2026 tournament thus far
• A statement of intent from the English youngsters

The Rise of a Future Star

At just 18 years old, Ben Mayes has announced himself on the world stage in the most emphatic fashion possible. His ability to build partnerships while maintaining an aggressive scoring rate suggests a cricketing maturity beyond his years. This innings will undoubtedly attract attention from county sides and national selectors looking to identify the next generation of English batting talent.

What This Means for England's Campaign

This record-breaking performance couldn't have come at a better time for England's U19 World Cup aspirations. With Mayes in imperious form and the team capable of posting 400+ totals, the young English side has served notice to the rest of the tournament that they are serious contenders for the title.

Looking Ahead

Ben Mayes' historic knock will serve as the benchmark for English youth cricket for years to come. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on whether Mayes can continue this remarkable form and lead England deeper into the competition. For now, the cricketing world has witnessed the emergence of a potentially special talent.